• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AppleToolBox

Tools and Fixes for Mac, iPad, iPhone & iWatch

Search posts

  • About
  • Contact

CONNECT WITH US

CATEGORIES

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • iPod
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac/MacBook
  • AirPods
  • Apple TV
  • News
  • Apple Services
  • HomePod
  • Reviews

SITE

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Search posts

You are here: Home / AirPods / How to fix red exclamation point errors on AirPods Pro

How to fix red exclamation point errors on AirPods Pro

By Mike Peterson 5 comments Last updated November 10, 2019

Seeing the AirPods Pro indicator on your iPhone or iPad glitch out? You wouldn’t be the only one — this appears to be an actual issue with the new headphones.

While the bug won’t end up breaking your new AirPods Pro, it can certainly be annoying. Here’s how to actually go about fixing it.

Related:

  • AirPods Pro not working? Here are some tips and tricks
  • Are the new AirPods Pro waterproof?
  • How-To Clean Your AirPods and other Wireless Earphones

What the issue is

Basically, the bug causes an animation glitch in the AirPods Pro user interface on your iPhone or iPad.

It essentially causes one of the AirPods Pro indicators to become very glitchy and appear like it’s dancing around.

You’ll also see a red exclamation point next to the particular AirPod instead of the left or right indicator letter.

That isn’t necessarily a major issue, but it can keep you from knowing what your charge level is. It’s also fairly annoying and may keep your AirPods Pro from charging normally.

Just know that it probably isn’t the physical connection. All impacted users that we’ve seen were very clear that their AirPods Pro case was free of debris or dust.

From the looks of it, this does paper to be a fairly widespread issue. Because the impacted AirPods seem to function normally otherwise, it’s likely be tied to firmware or software — so it’s probably not a hardware problem.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a necessarily new issue. Based on reports from users, both first- and second-generation AirPods had the same problem before a firmware update actually fixed it.

Troubleshooting the problem

red exclamation point on AirPods Pro

Here’s how to go about actually fixing the issue if it’s impacted your AirPods Pro.

First thing’s first: we recommend taking out the buggy AirPro Pro out of its case, waiting a few seconds and placing it back in. If the problem doesn’t persist, then you’re done.

If it keeps glitching out, then follow these steps to try and fix the issue.

Check for dust and debris

Earlier, we mentioned that many users running into this issue made sure that wasn’t any debris in their AirPods Pro case. But your own mileage may vary.

It’s worth checking the connection points inside your charging case to make sure there isn’t any dirt or other debris.

Restart your iPhone

As always, it’s recommended that you start any troubleshooting attempt by Force Restarting your iPhone or iPad.

You’ll also want to make sure that your device’s software is up-to-date. iOS 13 has been a fairly buggy release, so a software fix may solve the problem.

Reset your AirPods Pro

Resetting AirPods Pro to fix problems
Resetting your AirPods Pro is as easy as holding down the appropriate button for at least 15 seconds.

It may be worth resetting your AirPods Pro using the physical button on the charging case. Here’s how.

  • Put your AirPods Pro back in their case.
  • Find the Reset button on the rear of the case itself. It’s fairly flush, so you may need to feel around for it.
  • Press and hold this button for at least 15 seconds.

From there, you’ll need to re-pair your AirPods Pro with the device that you’re using it with.

Alternatively, you can also try heading to the Bluetooth menu and forgetting your AirPods Pro from there.

AirPods Pro 3
It’s also worth heading to the Bluetooth menu and forgetting your AirPods Pro this way.

Reset your network settings

Because AirPods Pro connect to your devices via Bluetooth, it may be worth resetting your iPhone’s or iPad’s network connectivity settings.

  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on General.
  • Scroll down until you see Reset.
  • Tap on Reset All Network Settings.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to actually re-pair your AirPods Pro with your device after resetting.

Update your AirPods firmware

It appears that a firmware fix is the most surefire way to fix the problem. On the other hand, we don’t know if a current firmware update actually contains a bug fix. If it doesn’t, then a future firmware update probably will.

To update your AirPods Pro firmware, all you need to do is place both AirPods back in their case. Then, bring the case near your iPhone (with an internet connection).

You can also check what firmware you’re running by going to Settings —> General —> About —> Your AirPods Pro. For context, the current firmware version is 2B584.

Take your AirPods Pro to Apple

Of course, there’s always the slim possibility that your AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro case is actually defective.

If nothing else works and the problem persists, we recommend that you contact Apple Support. They’ll be able to help you repair or replace your headphones.

We hope that you were able to fix the issue on your new AirPods Pro. Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or concerns.

mike - apple
Mike Peterson

Mike is a freelance journalist from San Diego, California.

While he primarily covers Apple and consumer technology, he has past experience writing about public safety, local government, and education for a variety of publications.

He’s worn quite a few hats in the journalism field, including writer, editor, and news designer.

Related Posts:

  • AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
    AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
  • iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them - Troubleshooting Guide
    iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them -…
  • iOS 16 Tips and Tricks: The Definitive List
    iOS 16 Tips and Tricks: The Definitive List
  • AirPods Max Review: How They Look Six Months Later
    AirPods Max Review: How They Look Six Months Later
  • Sidecar not working in iPadOS and macOS? How to fix Sidecar problems
    Sidecar not working in iPadOS and macOS? How to fix Sidecar…
  • Error Occurred Installing iOS 12 on iPhone or iPad, How-To Fix
    Error Occurred Installing iOS 12 on iPhone or iPad, How-To…
  • Here’s what to do if Dictation is not working on your iPhone or iPad
    Here’s what to do if Dictation is not working on your iPhone…
  • Mac Tips For New Users In 2023
    Mac Tips For New Users In 2023
  • iMessage not working iOS 13 or iPadOS? Fix it today
    iMessage not working iOS 13 or iPadOS? Fix it today

Reader Interactions

Write a Comment Cancel reply

Show 5 Comments

  1. Max says

    March 19, 2020 at 1:40 PM

    Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. Any other thoughts? Any readers got tips?

    Reply
  2. Paw Sid says

    November 12, 2019 at 10:33 PM

    I went to the Apple store with the first set of AirPods Pro and they replaced it free of charge.

    I opened the new one right in the store after unboxing it. I saw a similar problem.

    After reading this post, “Resetting Network Setting” is the only option that finally worked!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      January 6, 2020 at 6:56 PM

      Nothing will fix mine.

      Two pairs of Apple airpods with the charging case and the second one same problem. The left airpod stopped working.

      They’ve never given me a brand new case as a set. I was sent 2 left airpods from Apple and they gave me a new charging case and right airpod at the store. I would feel better knowing I had a new accessory altogether.

      Not a bunch of parts From different airpods. Had them under a month and I’ve been dealing with this.

      Reply
      • Simon says

        January 16, 2020 at 12:03 PM

        I’ve had mine since Xmas although I think my wife bought them in store mid December.
        All was fine to start with but today the left one has stopped working. I use the ANC on its own without music at work as there’s often background noise and it just dials it’s right down. However today when I popped in the left pod and tried to activate ANC, it asked me to put the other one in, saying that it only works with both. Then I checked and pressing the button on the left pod I heard a beep but still no ANC. I selected some music to play and to my suprise only music played out of the rhs pod. Even the ear bud fit test didn’t work. Seemed like it didn’t recognise the pod was in my ear.
        Many resets later, including both phone network and AirPods pro and nothing. Half an hour on the phone to Apple and finally agreed to send me a replacement.
        Now looks like I’m getting just the two replacement pods, not the case. Will advise if this is a hardware fault when I try the new pair.
        Any other tips or tricks to try let me know!

        Reply
        • Teri says

          January 24, 2020 at 1:27 PM

          I’m also having issues, specifically with the left but sometimes also with the right.

          Right now they were in the case over 24 hours so they should be charged, but when I went to use them it said the left had 0% and the right 33%.

          After fiddling with it and opening and closing the case, it said the left had 25% and the right 3%.

          I restarted my phone and reset the air pods and now they’re showing 44% and 26%, and when I closed the case it started acting all glitchy on my phone, popping up and out like I was toying with the case. And finally, I have the red exclamation point on the right one now.

          Reply

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • How to Add Extra Accounts in Reminders on iOS, iPad, and Mac
  • How to Fix Mac Quick Look Not Working on MacBook and iMac
  • How to Change the Expiration Time for Audio Messages in iMessage
  • How to Change Which Apps Have Access to Your Microphone on Mac
  • How to Add Work and Home Locations in Apple Maps
  • How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Word on Mac: 2 Best Methods

Connect with us

Footer

ABOUT

  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use

GUIDES

  • iOS 13 & iPadOS
  • Apple ID
  • iCloud
  • App Store
  • iTunes
  • FaceTime
  • iMessage
  • Siri
  • Books and iBooks
  • Game Center
  • AirPlay

CONNECT

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • FeedBurner
  • YouTube

© Copyright 2010-2023 Guiding Tech Media · All Rights Reserved

This site and its content are in no way affiliated or endorsed by Apple, Inc. · Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited